It was a message no local animal activist wanted to see: “WE HAVE BEEN BURGULARIZED!!!!” read the post on Corridor Rescue’s Facebook page on January 7. “WHO IS SO LOW TO DO THIS?”

At a time when non-profits might expect to see a lift from end-of-year donations and much-needed cash infusions, Corridor Rescue is instead dealing with the aftermath of theft.

The all-volunteer group’s storage locker was broken into and the group’s Facebook post lists “all the canned food, two medical kits, paper towels, two plastic containers of cat food, over a thousand doses of donated flea preventative, and other odds and ends” among the items lost.

A Channel 2 news report also notes the thieves made off with collars, leashes, and blankets.

While the organization is a registered nonprofit, it’s much smaller than other animal welfare groups such as the local SPCA and Houston Humane Society. Volunteer run, those who give their time to Corridor Rescue take care of feeding and providing medicine for stray dogs and cats in nearly three dozen different locations around North Houston, several of which are known as dumping grounds for unwanted animals. The theft hit the group hard, and they were in dire need of donations.

Social media followers immediately raced to the rescue, donating cash and supplies. BJ Kinkel posted “Donated $20. Will be sharing [this story].” And when Heather Ganucheau inquired about where to donate food, Corridor Rescue responded with a request to email the group so a location could be set up for a drop off and pick up.

And Chewy, the popular pet-supply delivery chain, offered assistance as well. One Facebook follower asked if Corridor had reached out to the service provider.

“Actually, Chewy has reached out to us and we are in contact,” Corridor’s post read. “They have offered to donate as well as sign us up on their Rescue & Shelter Referral Donation Program. For every new customer we refer to Chewy they will donate $20 to our organization. There are no limits on quantity!”

The organization promised to provide details once it was fully set up in Chewy’s system. (As of publication, those details hadn’t been shared yet). Yesterday, the group got a further boost with notice that the director of Houston Pets Alive wanted to share some surplus supplies.

While things certainly are looking up in the aftermath of the theft, Corridor Rescue still needs assistance. On the group’s wish list are items such as dog and cat food treats, aluminum pans, dog shampoo, dewormer, flea control and a host of other necessities.

Those who can assist are encouraged to view the wish list on Corridor Rescue’s website and email (info@corridorrescue.org) to coordinate the best way to get the items to group volunteers. Meanwhile, the group is working with the storage facility to help identify the thieves, and said that it is taking precautions to ensure no further break-ins occur.

“We are truly humbled by the outpouring of support the community, Corridor supporters and volunteers have shown over the last few days,” Corridor Rescue wrote on Facebook on Thursday. “…You guys have shown us that there is good still out there and there are people willing to help each other!”

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For more information or to donate, visit the group's Facebook page.